by Enrique Caroli on Nov 16, 2008
Virtual socialization, in space!
Avatar Reality has announced that their current project, Blue Mars, will be entering beta in January 2009. The concept behind the game is more of a sim/virtual environment than a MMO - so no fighting aliens for you.
Blue Mars has attracted attention for its impressive CryENGINE2-powered visuals - the same software at the heart of Crysis.
The idea centres around a habitable version of planet Mars, where water trickles free and people dress up and build houses and make families. In fact, that's what players will be doing; none of this crazy science-fiction laser shooting we're afraid. Think Second Life in space.
More interestingly, Avatar Reality has opened development to third-parties, offering contributors free reign over in-world attractions and perhaps promotions, which could prove lucrative if the game takes off.
For more information, please check here.